Israel launched a series of intense attacks targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut in an effort to take out Hezbollah’s central command located under residential buildings. The bombardment resulted in more than a dozen explosions, destroying at least seven buildings in the neighbourhood of Dahiyeh, with reports indicating that more than 15 missiles struck the area. Civil defence teams are working to put out fires and are bracing for a high number of casualties.
Israeli military officials claimed the attacks were a precise strike on Hezbollah’s headquarters and warned of more to come. The Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was rumored to have been at the headquarters during the attacks, but sources close to the group denied this.
The densely populated area of Dahiyeh, home to over half a million civilians, has been heavily targeted in recent days, causing many to flee for safety. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of civilians and accusations of Hezbollah using human shields.
While reports of ceasefire negotiations had emerged, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting as long as Hezbollah poses a threat. The attacks were carried out without informing the US in advance, leading to condemnation from Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who stated that Israel disregarded international calls for a ceasefire. The situation remains tense as residents brace for more attacks in the region.
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